Back pain is the number one reason Pittsburgh residents visit Pittsburgh Physical Medicine. Whether you woke up with a stiff lower back, have been dealing with chronic pain for months, or were injured in a car accident or at work — our team of chiropractors and physical therapist provides fast, effective relief without surgery or heavy medication.
Types of Back Pain We Treat
Back pain is not one-size-fits-all. Our Pittsburgh chiropractic team treats all types of back pain, including:
- Lower Back Pain — The most common type, often caused by muscle strain, disc herniation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or facet joint issues. We provide lumbar adjustments, mobilization, and targeted core rehabilitation.
- Sciatica — Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness from the lower back into the leg, caused by sciatic nerve compression. See our dedicated sciatica treatment page.
- Disc Herniation — Bulging or herniated discs in the lumbar spine pressing on nerves. Most cases resolve without surgery with proper chiropractic and PT care. See our disc herniation page.
- Mid Back Pain — Thoracic spine pain often related to poor posture, muscle strain, or rib joint dysfunction. Responds well to thoracic manipulation and postural correction.
- Upper Back Pain — Between the shoulder blades, often from tight rhomboids, thoracic restriction, or cervical referral. We address both the spine and surrounding musculature.
- Work-Related Back Pain — Back injuries from lifting, repetitive strain, or prolonged sitting. We work directly with workers compensation carriers. See our work injury treatment page.
- Car Accident Back Pain — Sudden forced movement in a crash commonly injures lumbar and thoracic discs and muscles. Auto insurance typically covers treatment.
Our Approach to Back Pain Treatment in Pittsburgh
Unlike primary care offices that prescribe muscle relaxers and tell you to rest, we get to the structural root of your back pain and fix it. Our multi-modal approach includes:
- Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation — Restores proper joint motion in the lumbar and thoracic spine, reduces nerve irritation, and provides immediate pain relief for many patients.
- Manual Physical Therapy — Dr. Crockatt's hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques accelerate healing and restore normal movement patterns.
- Dry Needling — Precise needle placement into tight muscle trigger points rapidly reduces pain and muscle spasm in the back and glutes.
- Core Rehabilitation — Progressive strengthening of the deep core muscles (multifidus, transverse abdominis) to stabilize your spine and prevent future episodes.
- Postural Correction — Addressing the sitting habits, workstation ergonomics, and movement patterns that are causing or worsening your pain.
How Long Will It Take to Fix My Back Pain?
Most patients with acute back pain (pain present for less than 6 weeks) see dramatic improvement within 4-8 visits. Chronic back pain (more than 3 months) typically requires a longer course of treatment — usually 12-20 visits over 6-10 weeks — followed by a maintenance plan. At your first visit we will give you a clear, honest assessment of your condition and realistic expectations for recovery.
Serving Pittsburgh's East End — Back Pain Near You
Our East Liberty clinic is your neighborhood back pain clinic if you live in:
- Shadyside — 0.8 miles from Walnut St and Ellsworth Ave
- Bloomfield — 1.1 miles down Liberty Ave
- Lawrenceville — 1.4 miles from Butler St
- Oakland — 2.0 miles, convenient to Pitt and UPMC
- Highland Park — 1.5 miles via Penn Ave
- Point Breeze — 1.8 miles via Penn Ave
- Squirrel Hill — 2.2 miles via Forbes Ave
- Friendship / Garfield — Under 1 mile from Penn Ave
Does UPMC or Highmark Cover Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment?
Yes. We are in-network with UPMC Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare. Most plans cover chiropractic care for back pain with a standard copay. No referral is needed. Call (412) 404-8337 to verify your benefits, or book online now.